I have been riding a Burton Custom for 18 years ( a little embarassing, but I have four kids and they need equipment too). Finally time for me! I was also researching the Gnu pro B and the NS Infinitey, but thought the K2 Ecolite was pretty cool. I am definitely an advanced boarder and will go down anything but the parks(too old). Any thoughts?

Yeah it's my first season, I go 3-4 times a week. Of course I'm not super-awesome yet but I just assumed it would be a good idea getting a better board. I don't know too much about snowboarding yet which is why I'm asking for suggestions. I'm probably going to get my new gear at the end of season for next year so I'll be a little bit better by then.

If you're riding 3-4 days per week definitely avoid beginner or even intermediate gear, get something for an strong intermediate or advanced rider, you'll be fine on it in no time

Yeah I don't think I need a beginner board anymore...
I know a friend selling their sapient solstice board with drake aluminum bindings for $180. The gear is about 2/3 seasons old. Is this a good deal? I don't know much about either brand.

If you are riding 3/4 per week blue runs plus jumping, then I do not think you need a beginner board.

I actually like the GNU B-pro a lot, but I like stiffer boards that can handle speed. The camber/rocker/camber combo plus the magne-traction makes it very good for me. It handles well on powder, ice, packed pow, slush, good for jumps and trees.

Not as good as the camber when pumping in/out of the pipe. Though I am just starting to try small boxes/rails, I do not think the GNU B-pro is good for boxes/rails and not as good as camber for pipe.

As far as the board size, 151 might be somewhat big, but it is just my opinion. Maybe try 150 or 149?

Can you demo boards? I would suggest to demo board sizes if you can before you buy to see what works best.

That's a pretty good deal for bindings, but I'm from Canada so shipping is $50. Americans are so lucky, you can buy almost anything online with free shipping.

I'm far from an expert at this, but I'll try to answer. The pros will correct me if I'm wrong.

Longer boards are better for speed and stability (maybe). People who want to bomb down the slopes will likely go for a longer, stiffer board.

Shorter boards are easier to maneuver (i.e. turn even though your turns may be sloppy. It's actually the stiff boards that are more responsive, but one of those might throw you right off if you make the slightest mistake). Newbs like me would go for a shorter, softer board as it is more forgiving. Park riders also prefer shorter and softer boards.

Oh and I just realized I did a stupid right there. I did not know your weight, so I replied on board length based on your height. That's really the wrong way to go about it - board length is determined by rider's weight and pretty much all companies have charts for that. I was subconsciously thinking you'd be close to my weight, which was dumb. So, I'm 140 lbs. and went for a 146 board. If you're heavier, go longer, if you're lighter, go shorter.

I feel you! Shipping to Canada is a killer, I had to ship a computer there once